Hiranmayi Narayanan, Legal Counsel, Colt Technology Services

Since graduating from UCL Laws, Hiranmayi Narayanan (LLM Intellectual Property Law, 2015) has worked in in-house roles, largely in commercial and corporate law. She is Legal Counsel for global digital infrastructure company Colt Technology Services, and in 2024 was named a Rising Star by Capacity Media for her work in the telecoms and technology sector. Hiranmayi undertook pro bono work while studying for the LLM, and continues this tradition of giving back to the community through regular volunteering.

What motivated you to study the LLM at UCL Laws, and how do you believe your experience differed from other institutions offering similar programmes?

I chose to study the LLM in Intellectual Property Law at UCL because of its excellent Law Faculty and its long, glorious history. Aside from the fact that the professors who taught at UCL Laws are often considered as authorities and experts in those modules, UCL Laws is a part of UCL – which has 11 faculties and over 100 departments. For me, this meant incredible exposure to people, learning and volunteering opportunities beyond the strict remit of my chosen programme. This allowed for a more holistic development and growth in my opinion, which may not have been the case in other institutions.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time at UCL Laws that has had a lasting impact on you?

One of my best experiences at UCL Laws was volunteering with the Grassroots Human Rights Project through the UCL Centre for Access to Justice. I’ve always been part of various organisations in a volunteering capacity, which I believe is key to an individual’s growth. It also gives you the opportunity to develop qualities such as leadership, effective communication skills, teamwork, patience and crisis management.

Could you tell us a bit more about the Grassroots Human Rights Project, and why you got involved?

The purpose of the Grassroots Human Rights Project was to impart basic human rights education to adolescent children studying in schools that were located in areas with generally higher levels of deprivation. The purpose of the project was not only to create a better understanding of human rights both in history and practice, but also to give them an opportunity to engage with university students, raising aspirations. The reason I wanted to volunteer with this Project in particular was the intent and the vision behind the Project, which seemed so fundamental and yet so unique.

It is one of my best memories at UCL as I felt that we were giving back to the community in ways that would result in long-term change for the better. I gained a lot from the Project – it gave me a sense of definitive purpose outside of my regular studies. Both the students and the volunteers were from a range of backgrounds, and interaction with such a diverse group of people often results in one becoming more and understanding of cultural differences. The Project also helped me communicate effectively on delicate matters.

How has volunteering in pro bono projects helped you in your career?

I currently work in the corporate field, which is a very different environment to the pro bono projects I was part of. However, the skills I learned have been really useful in building trust between myself and the clients, which often helps me to close business deals and agreements more effectively. It also made me realise that I thoroughly enjoy mentoring and giving back to the community in any way I can, which has resulted in me being part of various employee networks at work and being on the CSR committee at my current organisation. 

How has your career path evolved since finishing the LLM, and how did UCL Laws prepare you for this?

I have worked in in-house roles for the last ten years since I finished my LLM. While the work has largely been in commercial and corporate law, I have moved across fields such as media and entertainment, technology and now, telecoms. The modules I did as part of my LLM involved critical thinking and developing deeper analysis of legal issues. The assignments help me hone greater clarity of thought and communication – a skill that I count as a strength in my career today. UCL also has an impeccable reputation amongst employers and that has always given me an edge over other candidates when pursuing opportunities. 

What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far, or had the biggest impact on you?

There have been many highlights, big and small. I have had the good fortune of being part of multi-million dollar deals and projects, and in my previous role, I even made it to the credit list of some television shows as the legal advisor. More recently, I was named as a Rising Star (an award given to the top 35 tech and telecoms professionals globally under the age of 35) by an industry-leading magazine. However, I would say that I’ve learnt to define highlights differently now in my career as compared to what it meant when I was a fresher in the workplace. They don’t need to be big milestones. Each time you’ve managed to make a tangible impact to a small part of the world or humanity through your work is a highlight. I do a lot of mentoring within and outside of my organisation and that truly gives me a sense of fulfilment. 

What are some unique challenges in the IP, media and entertainment, and technology law fields at the moment?

Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly the most unique challenge in the IP, M&E and tech law fields at the moment. There is extensive use of AI-generated content leading to rampant infringement of IP rights but insufficient regulatory controls around it. The field of copyright in particular will need to evolve quite rapidly to address these challenges. IP and data protection laws need to be revisited and updated to ensure relevancy in this changing landscape. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of doing an LLM at UCL Laws?

It would be a positive, life-changing experience that they would not regret. I would also advise that they think in detail about whether or not they want to specialise in a field as that may not only determine the experience they have at UCL Laws but also shape the trajectory of their career, at least in its initial phases. UCL Laws and UCL in general offers a lot of opportunities to grow not just one’s network but also their mindset. I’d urge students looking to do an LLM to be proactive in their approach and tap into as many opportunities as they can. 

What careers advice or guidance would you give to current students or recent graduates who are just starting out?

My advice to students would be: UCL offers more opportunities than you can imagine, so make the best use of your time there. Go beyond just the modules you’ve chosen and utilise the vast resources including the libraries and Faculty facilities. Your student experience should extend beyond classroom learning; be part of something that gives you a holistic, wider world-view and prepares you for challenges in the workplace, all while giving back to the larger community in general. I would also advise students to take part in projects and societies that are working towards making an impact, including pro bono opportunities. 

Find out more about Hiranmayi on LinkedIn.